The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland

I was in Portland, Oregon on a two-day bleisure (Business and Leisure) trip and this was a perfect opportunity to finally check out The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland. While this was a stay during COVID-19, I still set my expectations high regardless. Some of the reasons being, one: The Nines Hotel is a five-star hotel, and two being the fact that this hotel is a member of American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR).

Since this was a trip that I wanted to treat myself a little bit, I decided to take an upgrade at the Premier Selection. Besides, the National Car Rental Executive Selection lots has been more of a miss than hit lately, but we understand times are hard currently. Hopefully the OneTwoFree promo returns in 2021.

Even though I pulled up at the hotel in a Range Rover, my frugality still wouldn’t let me cough out $53 per night for valet parking on this 2-nights stay. I instead used one of the parking garages nearby which charges ~$15 per 24 hours. There are plenty of parking garages and street parking around the hotel, but remember, you’re parking your car at your own risk. 

The hotel lobby is located on the 8^th floor, but you’ll find the bellman and valet parking men on the ground floor lobby that would point you to the elevators or answer any of your question.

The impeccable design of the hotel lobby on the 8^th floor pays homage to its’ historic past, and personally I love the art and fashion décor all around the dimly lit lobby area.

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I was upgraded to a Deluxe Guest room 1 King City View, and I must say that the room 1418 was very impressive. I personally love the aesthetics from the elegantly upholstered blue window seat as it gave the first impression the moment I walked in. The king size bed with 350 thread count linens, the gorgeous looking drapes, the chandeliers, and everything else in the room reflects nothing else but luxury. No wonder Marriott called the room “an epitome of modern nostalgic glamour”.

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The room also featured a walk-in office area with a work desk and ergonomic chair, a TV, and a mini bar area. Minibar is one thing that is hard to come by these days due to the global pandemic, but some few hotels still find a way to do it safely. The minibar was fully stocked, and it is computerized with a sensor. You might get charged for any item you removed even if you didn’t consume them.

NOTE: No complimentary bottled water was provided in the room, but you can save yourself some amount by picking a few bottles from the gym or in the Club Lounge (assuming it’s open and you have access).

Right behind the hotel lobby on the 8^th floor located the Atrium Lobby. The atrium has plenty of seating areas and houses one of the two locally inspired restaurants, the Urban Farmer. The city of Portland is known to have one of the best farm-to-table preparations, and that’s exactly what the Urban Farmer offers. The atrium also houses The Living Room.

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For breakfast, I order a few items on the menu and I felt like the breakfast could have been better. 

But it was a different feeling on the second day as I had plenty of time to treat myself to an in-room dining. I highly recommend the chicken sausage, especially for a breakfast in bed.

Located on the 15^th floor of The Nines, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland is The Departure Restaurant + Lounge which offers modern Asian cuisine with a breathtaking of the views of Downtown Portland.

The hotel’s Fitness Center is located on the 7th floor, and this gym is very standard with lots of equipment available. You’ll also find not just one Peloton bike, but 3 available in the gym. Earphones and free bottled water are provided. And to give credit to the hotel, the gym’s locker room is a really great touch in my own opinion. Not only is the locker room spacious enough, it was also spotless and well maintained. There is no swimming pool present at the hotel.

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Another thing I’d like to give the hotel credit for is providing each of the robes in a garment bag. Each of the robe has a price tag of $185 in case anyone would like to take them home.

The bathroom in my Deluxe Guest room was big enough and featured a walk-in shower with environmentally friendly soap dispenser, a single vanity, a lighted makeup mirror, 2 crystal-light pendants.

High speed WiFi with a download speed of 86.65Mbps and upload speed of 63.51Mbps was among the amenities provided by the hotel. And although the hotel does not have a business center available, the front desk attendants will be glad to help you with your printing needs.

In conclusion, this was a great stay. I love the contemporary design of both the lobby and the room itself. The art and fashion décor added a great touch to this luxury collection hotel. And I’ll gladly be back after COVID to check out the hotel again, especially to see what the club lounge look like.